Abdominal pain during pregnancy

Severe abdominal pain during pregnancy can be an indication of pregnancy-related complications and deserves complete medical intervention.

This article discusses the symptoms and causes of severe abdominal pain in pregnant women, as well as the proposed treatment methods for pregnant women with severe medical conditions.

What is abdominal pain?

Most expectant mothers experience normal abdominal pain, soreness and cramps at some point during their pregnancy. Abdominal pain is normal, because carrying a growing baby can put extreme strain on your muscles and joints, so your stomach may feel uncomfortable at certain times.

You can reduce abdominal pain by resting (which can relieve cramps), taking a warm bath, or placing a hot water bottle or bag on the painful area.

However, if your abdominal pain persists or becomes more severe, it may be an indication of more serious pregnancy-related complications or problems.

Abdominal pain during pregnancy

As a pregnant mother, you may experience different types of abdominal pain during the 3rd trimester of your pregnancy. This section discusses common abdominal pains during each trimester.

1. Abdominal pain in the first trimester

During your first trimester, you may experience cramping pain in your abdomen, which is caused by your baby’s normal development. Convulsions refer to the feeling of a tug on both sides of your abdomen. Convulsions are caused by stretching of the ligaments and muscles in the support during the expansion of your uterus. Convulsions due to pregnancy are considered normal and can also occur for other reasons, including gas and flatulence, constipation, or sexual intercourse.

Women receiving IVF treatment for pregnancy may develop a condition called ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHS), which can lead to abdominal pain. This pain is mainly due to the extra stimulation of the ovaries as a result of the application of childbirth drugs. This pain usually lasts for a few weeks of pregnancy and should be reported to a fertility clinic if it continues after that.

2. Abdominal pain in the second trimester

A common form of abdominal pain in the second trimester of pregnancy is round ligament pain, which occurs for the two large ligaments that connect the uterus to the groin. The muscle in the round ligament supports the uterus and when it expands, you may feel pain like a sharp cut, or a mild pain in the lower abdomen. Some women report having this type of pain in the buttocks or groin area.

Round ligament pain is considered normal during pregnancy and does not lead to any serious complications.